Sorry this holiday is now fully booked. We do, however, have some places remaining on our May Bank holiday Spa Retreat.
Check in Saturday 20th May 2017 and check out Tuesday 23rd May 2017.
Come and explore Girona, a rich and vibrant city that grew up on a hill beside the ancient Via Augusta, the road that once wound its way through the Pyrenees, linking the province of Hispania with the rest of the Roman Empire. It's an ancient place with many layers and labyrinthine streets. Only recently they used the area around the Cathedral to recreate the King's Landing in television hit show, the Game of Thrones.
Situated at the confluence of four rivers, Girona was already an important fortified city in Roman times. On the fall of the Roman Empire it was seized first by the Visigoths, and then by the Moors. Liberated by Charlemagne it prospered and grew beyond its early Roman walls. A thriving Jewish community added to the city's wealth and diversity. It became a major centre of the Kabbalah. By the fourteenth century it was a prosperous city of eight thousand souls, but it went into decline following the ravages of the Black Death. A thousand townsfolk died in the outbreak of 1348. During the Napoleonic Wars it became known as the city of sieges, playing an important role in the defence of the Spanish March.
Enjoy guided walks through its ancient streets, knitting workshops, nightly knit-alongs and the companionship of a small group of like-minded folk. Knit as much, or as little, as you want. Bring a friend, or come on your own. We're all about flexibility, and we'll pull out the stops to give you the very best city break ever.
We've selected the Ciutat de Girona, a friendly hotel in the centre of town, close to all the must-see sights.
Each morning, after breakfast, we'll head out for a guided walk.
On our walks we'll explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria with its 93 steps, Romanesque cloisters and treasury containing the ancient Tapestry of Creation -and yes, Game of Thrones fans, this is where they filmed the King's Landing.
The eleventh century Tapestry is a thing of wonder. No one really knows where it was created or why, and, whilst it's an impressive size (358 cm x 450 cm), they believe it to only be a fragment of what once existed.
From the Cathedral we'll go to the ancient church of Sant Feliu. Originally this was the site of a Roman necropolis. The local Christians wanted to be buried close the resting place of Sant Feliu. As a consequence the church, quite literally grew up around his tomb.
We'll wander along the banks of the River Onyar and admire the wonderful houses overhanging the water, that once formed part of the city walls.
We'll walk along the ancient city walls, past the barracks where foreign mercenaries once lived during the Napoleonic wars. We'll explore the Call, the old Jewish Quarter, and visit the Bonstruc ça Porta Museum, which tells the story of how a once thriving community was destroyed forever.
In the afternoons Bonny will lead knitting workshops. Each guest will receive a complimentary yarn pack containing all they'll need to complete our holiday project.
Nutshell of what's included:
Price:
- £600/person (double room, single occupancy).
- £500/person for additional person in same room.
Price Includes:
- Double room with en-suite bathroom.
- 3 Nights bed and breakfast at the Ciutat de Girona Hotel, wifi and taxes.
- 3 Knitting Workshops and a knit-along session in the hotel each night after dinner.
- Complimentary yarn kit.
- 2 half-day guided walks.
- Entrance to the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Basilica of Saint Felix and the Bonstruc ça Porta Museum
Please note that the following are not included in the price:
- Bar bill.
- Meals
- Travel to and from Spain.
- Airport transfers are not included, but please ask for a quotation if you'd like us to arrange them for you.
- Hotel parking
